Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Release Day Blitz: First Came You by Faith Andrews

First Came You (Fate series #0.5)

By Faith Andrews

Synopsis

First comes a nickel,
Then comes a shove,

Then comes loss only conquered by his love.

This is the story of my first true love. The story of how the boy next door protected me, became my best friend, stole my heart, and rescued me from my darkest despair

5 Star Review by Jen Skewes

When I found out that Faith was writing this novella I was so excited.After reading Feel Again I wanted to know all about Tommy and Gabby’s relationship from how they met, to their first kiss, to how they ended up husband and wife.I wanted it all.Ms. Andrews did not disappoint and in fact she gave me so much more than I ever expected.

Tommy and Gabby met when they were just kids.Tommy saved Gabby from the neighborhood kids who were mean to her.That day as just an eight year old girl, Tommy Edwards became her hero.But little did she know that throughout her life he would continue to be that person for her.Tommy and Gabby became best friends but as they both got older their feelings started to change.Tommy saw Gabby as more than just a friend and he was determined to prove to her how much she mattered to him and how much he loved her.And Oh My God did he show her! You honestly don’t need any more info about this story than what I have given you.This is a beautiful story of true love and friendship. And even when you are going through the worst of times you can always count on the ones you love to be there for you.

First Came You in a prequel to Feel Again.Do you have to read the book first?Absolutely not.For those that have read Feel Again and are nervous about reading First Came You let me say this:READ THIS NOVELLA!Trust me on this.I loved Feel Again but after reading this novella it gave me a whole new perspective on Gabby’s character.I understood what she was going through but when you see her relationship with Tommy and how much he adored and loved her.When you see how much they had been through together and just how deep their love was, it makes you completely understand Gabby’s hesitancy for moving on.You just get it!

Tommy and Gabby had that amazing love that gives you goose bumps just thinking about it.You know when you are younger and just seeing the person you love gives you butterflies in your stomach?That’s what they had.Tommy was the best of the best.His love for Gabby was so evident and clear in his words and his actions.There really are no words to describe him. He had me from the moment I met him and I didn't want to let go.

Gabby and Tommy went through some ups and downs and their relationship was tested but their love was too deep to ever let anything completely ruin them.Sometimes you have to make decisions in life and do what’s best for the person at the time, but knowing in your heart that no matter what, you will never give up.That some how you will always find your way back.Gabby and Tommy had a love that every one dreams of.A love that everyone needs to experience in their life.It’s that once in a lifetime love, a love that bonds two people together forever.They had that and so much more.I can’t even express how truly beautiful this story was.It is a story of love, loss and friendship.Faith Andrews did such an amazing job with this prequel and her ability to make me feel all of the love and the emotions of these two characters is what made this book a 5 star read for me.It is beautifully written and just perfect. Have you ever read a book and when you get to that last page you just sigh with a smile on your face as you turn off your e-reader.And the next day you are still thinking about it?Yes I guess you would call that a book hangover and that is exactly how this book left me.Completely hung over.Thank you Ms. Andrews for giving us Tommy and Gabby’s story!

Excerpt

Tommy

Loss. The recurring theme of the last few months.

First it was her parents—my second parents. They treated me like their own even if they had their doubts about my not-so-pure feelings towards their young daughter. Their death crushed me. I couldn’t let Gabriella see it because I had to be her rock. But my heart still clenches tight with hurt when I think about Mr. and Mrs. Rossi no longer living on this planet.

Then came the slow and gradual loss of the girl who means more to me than anything. I watched as all happiness and joy disappeared from her life with that one single phone call. She hasn’t been the same. She’s so distant and cold. Not just to me—to Gina too. We talk about it all the time. How much we miss the old spunky, vibrant Gabby. How we worry about her. How we have to let her go through the grieving process in her own way.

That part’s the worst because I can’t fucking stand watching her push me away. She’s dying inside—broken—and all I want to do is piece her back together. But she won’t let me. She won’t let me do what I know I can. So I bite my tongue and take my anger out on the basketball court or the boxing bag. Seeing me angry won’t send her running back into my arms.

But tonight? This rejection is the worse loss yet.

I’ve managed to smother her—her words—by caring for her. My selfish need to keep her close and protect her have caused her to let me go. For the first time in my life, I understand the pain of a broken heart. She’s the only girl who’s ever owned it, and without her I’m not whole.

When I get back to my house, head hung low like a beaten dog, I toss the red box on the table and watch it skid in my father’s direction.

“You were right. Happy?” I growl.

Swallowing back his beer, he arches a brow. “Told you so.”

Three words I never like hearing—especially from my smug asshole of a father. Instead of pounding my fists into his gray-bearded face, I turn my back to start off to my bedroom. I can make better use of my time by packing.

I suck in a deep breath, and tighten my fists so hard my nails dig into my palms. Do not deck your father, Tommy. He’s not worth it. Turning to face him, I stare hard into his bloodshot eyes. “You don’t know shit about me and Gabriella. And I would never give up on her because she’s not a waste of anything. And maybe it seems like things are dark right now, but there’s nothing damaged about the beautiful girl she is and the incredible woman I know she’ll become.”

He takes another pull of his beer, slamming the empty bottle down on the table. “Suit yourself. Throw your life away before it’s even begun.”

Rushing toward the table, I get within inches of his face and growl, “Just because you’re unhappy with the way your life turned out doesn’t mean you have to take it out on me. Stay the hell out of it and save your misconstrued sense of wisdom to yourself. I’ve never needed it before and I don’t count on needing it ever again.”

I stalk off to my room, grumbling under my breath. He’s a misery. Has been for as long as I can remember, and the fact I’m doing things he never could at my age makes him resent his own flesh and blood and the struggles of being a lesser man. And my poor mother is just a naïve victim to his shit.

I’m over it.

I can’t wait to get the fuck out of here. Away from their scrutiny, away from their disapproval. My parents never appreciated my passion for Gabriella and our future. They always told me I was being stupid with my heart by giving it away too soon. They didn’t want to accept that I’d found a kind of love in Gabriella and her family that I lacked here. My parents are decent people, just not loving people. The Rossi’s gave me more.

As I toss shit haphazardly into boxes, I replay so many Gabriella memories in my head with tears burning at the back of my eyes. The beginning—when we were kids and would laugh all day while we played man hunt in the scorching summer sun. The middle—when I admired Gabriella as she grew into a beautiful girl with curves that made my mouth water and lips that made my dick think things it shouldn’t be thinking at that age. The end—is this the fucking end?

Feel Again

(Fate Series #1)

About Faith Andrews

Faith Andrews lives in New York where she is happily married to her high school sweetheart. They have two beautiful daughters and a furry Yorkie son, Rocco. If she isn’t listening to Mumford and Sons or busy being a Dance Mom, her nose is in a book or her laptop. She’s a sucker for a happily ever after and believes her characters are out there living one somewhere . . .